Jamaal Charles is the No. 1 Overall Fantasy Football Pick in 2014

By Bill Pivetz

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Jamaal Charles put on a Hall of Fame-worthy game on Sunday. While his rushing numbers were pedestrian — eight carries for 20 yards and a score — he had an excellent time as a receiver. Charles hauled in eight catches for 195 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the game with 51 fantasy points, the second-highest of all-time among running backs. He was also the first running back to have four receiving and one rushing touchdowns.

Charles is the No. 1 fantasy running back with 276 fantasy points in ESPN.com standard leagues with two games left. His lowest game came in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos where he scored seven points. Charles scored single digits in only two games. He has 18 total touchdowns and 1,836 total yards.

Kansas City Chiefshead coach Andy Reid knows how to use his running backs in the passing game. He used Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy well with the Philadelphia Eagles. Westbrook went three straight years with at least 11 total touchdowns and McCoy had 20 total touchdowns in 2011.

The pairing between Reid and Charles is a huge blessing for the Chiefs. With Alex Smith a borderline No. 1 fantasy quarterback and the receiving corps not all that great, the Chiefs will be leaning heavily on Charles. He has 246 carries, averaging 17.6 carries per game, with his lowest coming in Week 15. His previous low was 14 in Week 12.

Charles has not missed a game in the last two seasons after suffering an ACL tear in 2011. He has a chance to continue his case for No. 1 overall pick in 2014 when he takes on the Indianapolis Colts. Charles has been far and away a better pick than Adrian Peterson, McCoy and other early first-round picks, especially those who suffered from season-ending injuries.

Charles will be the No. 1 overall player to draft when the 2014 fantasy season begins.